Now That I Am A Christian

MY RESPONSIBILITY TO BEAR FRUIT

Lesson #5

TEXTJohn 15:8

INTRODUCTION:

A.      A TRUE CONVERT WILL MAKE EFFORTS TO TEACH HIS LOVED ONES.

          1.       The true convert is one because of a concern for his own spiritual welfare.

          2.       The true convert loses his attitude of self-centeredness and becomes aware

                   and concerned about the spiritual welfare of others( Phil. 2:1-4 ).  Show me a

                   person who is concerned for his own spiritual welfare, and I will show you

                   one who is concerned for the welfare of others.

          3.       It is reasonable to expect then, that the convert will show interest in bringing

                   others to Christ.  We need to place a great deal of emphasis here.

B.      THE WORD "FRUITFUL" SUMMARIZES ALL THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF

          CHRISTIANS( John 15:8;  Rom 7:4;  Luke 8:9-15 ).

QUESTIONS:

1.       What will a true convert make an effort to do?                                                               

2.       "By this My Father is                                   , that you                                                    

                                       ; so you will be My                            ."

I.      LIVING A FRUITFUL LIFE.

A.      LIVING A FRUITFUL LIFE MEANS BEING PRODUCTIVE, CONTRIBUTING

          POSITIVELY TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH HE FINDS HIMSELF.

B.      There are many areas in which a Christian should be

          productive and fruitful...as a family member, as a citizen,

          on his job, and in the spiritual realm.

C.      two things must BE UNDERSTOOD ABOUT FRUITFUL CHRISTIANS.

          1.       There is no other kind of Christian than a "fruitful" one.

          2.       To be a fruitful Christian one is productive in many areas.  In others

                             words, we do not restrict this to "teaching home Bible studies" or making

                             "sick calls."  Being  "fruitful" embodies one being productive of good in all

                             areas where God has given us some responsibility.

D.      Hopefully we have little trouble being fruitful in most

          areas.  But one area give us all trouble. That is the

          responsibility to teach others.

QUESTIONS:

1.       What does it mean to be fruitful?                                                                          

                                                                                                                                                        

2.       Name some areas where we are expected to bear fruit?                             

                                                                                                                                                        

II.     THE EARLY CHURCH SERVES AS A MODEL.

A.      THE GREAT COMMISSION CARRIED OUT IN JUST 29 YEARS!

          1.       Mat. 28:19.  Given in 33 A. D.

          2.       Col. 1:6,  23.  Paul says that the gospel was preached to every creature.

          3.       Acts 2:41;  47;  4:4;  4:32;  5:42;  6:7;  8:4, 12; 11:19-20;  18:8;  19:10.

B.      HOW DID THEY DO IT?

          1.       Not by building and unlocking the doors on Sunday morning in hopes that

                             someone would happen in.

          2.       Acts 5:42;  8:4.  They went everywhere teaching the Word.  Today we just

                             go everywhere.

C.      Today our religion seems to be "church building centered."

          1.       Which is more important, "holding services" or saving souls?

          2.       Personal evangelism is so demanding and time-consuming that it serves as a

                             real test of spiritually.

                   a.       Mat. 7:16.  What may we conclude if there is no fruit?( John 15:1-6 ).

                   b.       Those who are not spiritual will never do this work.

                   c.       One must be truly converted to Christ.

QUESTIONS:

1.       "Go therefore and make disciples of                                                            ,

                                                          them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the

          Holy Spirit,                                         them to observe all things that I have

          commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.

2.       How long did it take to carry out the Great Commission?

3.       How was this accomplished?

4.       What serves as a real test to spirituality?

III.    CAN "MASS EVANGELISM" EVER ACCOMPLISH ALL THE

        WORK OF BEARING FRUIT?

A.      "Mass evangelism" ( depending on preachers, meetings, radio, etc. ), has

          never been the exclusive method of teaching the gospel.

          1.       Jesus taught publicly, but much of his teaching was on a personal basis.

          2.       Very few of those who are invited to services ever come.  Something like 3%.

          3.       Only 20% of Americans regularly attend services( once a week ).

          4.       It is very hard to get our own members to come as they should.  Why should

                   it be any different with regard to lost people?

B.      The secret is to take the gospel to the masses, not wait for

          them to come and get it( John 1:40, 41 ).

IV.   GOOD EXAMPLES TO EMULATE.

A.      Acts 2:42, 46;  8:4;  20:20;  2 Tim.  2:2;  1 Pet. 3:15;  Jude 3.

B.      Heb. 5:11-14.

QUESTIONS:

1.       What is the secret to bearing a lot of fruit in evanelism?

2.       "For though by this                    you ought to be                                 , you need

          someone to                                         again the first principles of the oracles of

          God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food."

CONCLUSION:

A.      Enthusiasm for teaching others the truth will be a carry-

          over from our having learned the truth.

B.      There is no joy equal that of seeing one whom we have

          taught become obedient to the Gospel.

C.      How many people will be in heaven because of your

          efforts?  Will you be there because OF your efforts?